The National Science Foundation has partnered with Mills College to improve educational opportunities for low-income, talented women by creating a new transition program to support STEM undergraduate majors from first-year through entry into the workforce or graduate school. A special focus of the program will be on developing leadership skills and tools for women in STEM, thus addressing a gap in the STEM workforce in this arena. The S-STEM Scholars at Mills will receive financial support as well as other support including the expansion of student support systems such as a summer bridge program, targeted faculty advising, a themed housing community, student participation at professional conferences, and specially designed workshops focused on academic and leadership development. To enhance recruiting efforts for minority women, a special Minority Women in STEM Lecture Series will also be deployed.

Eligibility requirements

The selection criteria for participation in NSF SURPASS are:

Commitment to attending Mills College.

Commitment to attending Hellman Summer Program.

Expressed strong interest in pursuing a STEM discipline degree (remain in STEM field as project participant).

Math SAT score of above 550 or ACT score above 23, or a strong recommendation from a Science educator.

A minimum HS GPA of 3.2.

Financial need (as determined by the Office of Financial Aid review of FAFSA form, Estimated Family Contribution, and the current cost of attendance for Mills College).

Citizen, Permanent Resident of the United States (as defined in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act), aliens admitted as refugees (defined by section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act) or aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.

In 2016, six students were admitted to Mills College and are now completing their first year. We are currently interviewing our 2017 cohort.